Stimulus checks continue to serve as a vital tool for governments to deliver direct financial relief to citizens. While the federal government has not issued a new round of stimulus payments since 2021, individual states have stepped in with their own support programs. One of the most notable is Alaska’s Permanent Fund Dividend (PFD), which is sending out nearly $1,800 per resident in 2025.
Here’s what you need to know about the latest round of payments, who qualifies, and when to expect your money.
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Federal Stimulus Ended in 2021—But States Like Alaska Continue
Between March 2020 and March 2021, the federal government issued three rounds of Economic Impact Payments (EIPs) to help Americans cope with job losses and financial disruption during the COVID-19 pandemic. These stimulus checks—worth up to $1,200, $600, and $1,400 respectively—were critical during a time of national economic crisis.
Since then, there have been no new federal stimulus programs. The 2024 tax season was the final opportunity for taxpayers to claim the third $1,400 payment if they hadn’t received it. However, some states have developed their own localized stimulus models, and Alaska leads the way with its annual oil dividend payout.
Alaska’s 2025 Stimulus: The $1,702 Permanent Fund Dividend
Alaska’s Permanent Fund Dividend (PFD) is not a traditional stimulus check. Instead, it’s a share of the state’s oil and mineral revenue, distributed to residents each year. For 2025, the payout is $1,702 per eligible resident—a 30% increase over last year’s amount.
Key Features:
- Total payout per person: $1,702
- Distribution window: June through August 2025
- Administered by: Alaska Department of Revenue and Alaska Permanent Fund Corporation
- Funded by: State oil and gas revenue investments
Eligibility for the 2025 PFD Payment
To qualify for the $1,702 payout, residents must meet several conditions outlined by the Alaska Department of Revenue:
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Residency | Must be a current Alaska resident |
| Living requirement | Lived in Alaska for at least 12 months with no intent to leave |
| Time in state | Spent at least 72 hours in Alaska over the past 24 months (if temporarily out of state) |
| Criminal history | No felony incarceration in the past 12 months |
| Misdemeanor policy | If previously convicted of a felony or two misdemeanors since 1997, must have no new misdemeanors in past 12 months |
2025 PFD Payment Schedule
If you applied for the 2024 dividend by the March 31 deadline, and your application status is marked as “Eligible–Not–Paid,” your payment is on its way. Here’s when you can expect to receive it:
Alaska PFD Payment Schedule – 2025
| Eligibility Confirmed By | Payment Date |
|---|---|
| June 11 | June 18 |
| July 9 | July 17 |
| August 13 | August 21 |
Roughly two-thirds of approved applicants have already been paid as of mid-July. The remaining payments will continue in monthly batches through August.
To check your payment status, visit the official Alaska PFD website.
Why Alaska’s Program Is Unique
Unlike pandemic-era federal stimulus payments, Alaska’s PFD is an annual, recurring initiative. It reflects a broader philosophy of sharing state natural resource profits with residents.
However, it’s important to note that Alaska’s small population—around 600,000—makes such a program more feasible. Larger states with millions of residents would require much higher funding and more complex logistics to implement a similar model.
FAQs:
Is this a federal stimulus check?
No. The $1,702 is a state-run initiative exclusive to Alaska, funded by oil and gas revenue—not federal pandemic relief.
Do I have to pay taxes on the PFD?
Yes. The dividend is considered taxable income by the IRS, though Alaska has no state income tax.
Can non-residents qualify for the PFD?
No. Only full-time residents meeting the state’s criteria are eligible.
